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August 28, 2022
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Hello All, Reference the attached photo, this toggle was installed in an 1873 38-40 rifle manufactured in 1890. I noticed the “0F” marking and wondering if you’ve seen this on any other Winchester rifles. Thank you.
July 17, 2012
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“OF” generally means it was “outside fitted” and is a replacement part.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
April 30, 2023
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But it was a Winchester genuine part, yes? They stamped them and sent them out to a gunsmith for example to show non-factory work? Correct me though if I’m wrong!
July 17, 2012
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Jeremy P said
But it was a Winchester genuine part, yes? They stamped them and sent them out to a gunsmith for example to show non-factory work? Correct me though if I’m wrong!
Yes, it was a genuine part. Typicaly it was stamped on mail order parts that Winchester would normally fit in-house. They wanted to know if the gun was returned if the part had been fitted by Winchester or by a local gunsmith.
Here is an internal factory note from 1902 that references the “OF” marking of parts. It mentions barrels specifically but the stamp was used on other parts that required some hand fitting as well.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
April 30, 2023
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Thank you. I knew about the barrels just hadn’t seen other parts with it.
August 28, 2022
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Thanks everyone for your replies. This is great information and very interesting that Winchester added this marking on mail order parts. This adds a nice bit of history for my rifle, which was heavily used. An owner many years ago needed this part and wanted to handle the installation himself.
